11-08-2004 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 8, 2004 7:00 o'clock p.m. (8. #04 -3054 JON AND GAIL BLACKSTONE, 4475 FOREST LAKE LANDING, Continued) Blackstone stated the location and design of the new house and pool is meant to minimize runoff and disruption of the topography, with the lot containing approximately 30 mature trees, a number over 100 years old. Blackstone indicated the shed is currently used to store snowmobiles, snowblowers, riding lawnmowers and kids' toys. Blackstone stated the proposed location of the house and pool does not leave room for access to the back of the lot. Blackstone stated they are requesting they be allowed to relocate the shed adjacent to the garage, which is approximately 160 feet from the street, and that they would be willing to camouflage the shed to lessen its visibility from the street. Blackstone stated the hardship they have is the lack of storage if the shed is required to be removed. Sansevere noted the hardship must be inherent to the land and not to the property owner personally. Gail Blackstone stated it is her understanding that on occasion the City has grandfathered in similar types of structures. Blackstone noted the other homes on this street face the lake, with their back yards facing the street. Blackstone stated this is the only lot on the street where the area next to the street is considered the front yard. Blackstone stated prior to the improvement work done on the shed, it was looking very rundown and leaked, but now it looks like a decent structure. Blackstone commented they would not have incurred that expense had they known the building would need to be removed. Blackstone requested the shed be allowed to remain. Sansevere inquired whether the applicants' proposal to relocate the shed has been discussed with Staff. Gundlach indicated that option was discussed, but noted that the shed would need to be attached in order to comply with the code and not require a variance. Gundlach stated there is no hardship to grant that variance. Gundlach indicated she is not aware of what the requirements would be for attaching the structure. Gaffron inquired whether the shed could be located ten feet from the garage. Gundlach stated that would still require a variance. Gaffron noted they would not require a variance if the shed was attached. McMillan inquired whether the proposed garage could be expanded. Gundlach stated they could increase the size of the garage by 200 square feet to make up the loss of the shed. Gaffron stated the lack of access to the back yard is created by the applicants' desire to have the residence and pool located as proposed. Gaffron noted the location of the residence may also create potential problems with future maintenance of the residence should a large truck need to access the rear of the residence. Sansevere inquired what the applicants have to do in order to attach the shed to the garage. PAGE 6